The last ballpark built before the retro-classic revolution Guaranteed Rate Field (formerly U.S. Cellular Field and new Comisky Park) opened to poor reviews and a 16-0 loss to the Tigers in 1991. The White Sox have since refurbished the ballpark by removing 6,600 Upper Deck seats, adding Fan Decks, statues of White Sox greats and other modern amenities. Originally named after its predecessor Comiskey Park the White Sox brought some traditions across the way including the exploding Scoreboard and arched windows.

Everything is bigger in Texas, even the ballpark! Three retro-style ballparks are honored in the outfield, Tiger Stadium’s RF roofed home run porch, Ebbets Field’s CF nooks and crannies and Fenway Park’s LF wall. Fans have two more seasons to enjoy Globe Life Park before it is put out to pasture for a new retractable roof ballpark.

Opened in 1989 as North America’s first retractable dome ballpark, Rogers Centre was also the first ballpark to house a World Series champion outside the U.S. with the Jays going back-to -back in 1992-93. It’s also the only ballpark with a hotel in CF and views of one of the world’s tallest buildings, the CN Tower.

Don’t let the triple digit heat of Phoenix stop you from making a trip to see the Diamondbacks. Chase Field was the first retractable roof ballpark to include a grass playing field. The roof is kept open during the day for the grass to grow and closed a few hours before first pitch. A high capacity HVAC system drops the temperature to a comfortable level for fans to enjoy the game. Chase Field is also the only MLB ballpark with a swimming pool in RF, so if you are traveling 35 deep see if this Field Level suite is available.

A ballpark that once offered views of the Oakland hills is now one of Major League Baseball’s least desirable due to frequent plumbing issues and the monstrosity that is Mount Davis, named after deceased Raiders owner Al Davis. The A’s have been searching for a new ballpark site for at least a decade.

Remember there are only 30 Ballparks where Major League Baseball is played and this non-retractable domed ballpark is one of them. Unfortunately, a new Ballpark is long overdue. A great option for snow birds to catch games in April.

BPN Experiences

September 16, 2004: Cincinnati, Ohio
I have been following the Cincinnati Reds since I dominated the PlayStation 2 world in 2002 with EA Sports’ Triple Play Baseball. Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns were young star outfielders coming into their own, … [Read More...]

September 1, 2006: San Diego, California
“Discovered by the Germans in 1904, they named it San Diego, which of course in German means a whale’s vagina.” – Ron Burgundy
Self-proclaimed as “America’s Finest City,” San Diego has grown from a Naval … [Read More...]

September 3, 2006: Los Angeles, California
Since opening its gates on April 10, 1962, Dodger Stadium has welcomed more National League baseball fans than any other National League ballpark. In 1978, Dodger Stadium was the first ballpark to draw … [Read More...]

September 4, 2006: Anaheim, California
Orange County, California…the OC, surf and sand, horrendous housewives, a ridiculous FOX melodrama and baseball. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball isn’t the first thing most people think about when the … [Read More...]

August 18, 2002: Montreal, Quebec
I write this on the morning after the Montreal Expos organization played its first home game as the Washington Nationals. Much has occurred since Mike and I made our visit to Olympic Stadium, located in the great … [Read More...]

Don't forget to check out the Ballpark Nerd Concierge section, where you can get all the info you need to make your next trip to any MLB park faster, better, and more entertaining!

What are your best and worst ballparks? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!